Walking toy



Nov. 11, 1924- J. L. HENRY WALKING TOY Filed Feb. 23, 1923 2 Sheets-Sheet. l

Nov. 11, 1924- 1,514,966

J. L HENRY I WALKING TOY Filed Feb. 23, 1923 2.Sheets-Shee1. 2

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Applicationfiled February 23, 1923. Serial No. 620,639.

The object of the invention is to provide,

a toy of the type in which a figure mounted on a vehicle is made to simulate. walking when the vehicle is moved forwardly. 2'

A particular object of the invention is to provide a toy in which a figuremounted on a vehicle is caused to go through the motions usually employed by a child in pro.- pelling such a vehicle. e

A still further object of the invention is, to provide means for imparting a swing ing movementto the entire leg of a figure in combination with means for swinging the lower limb forwardly when the leg is raised, whereby the foot is brought to the floor with leg in its forward position and the lower limb is swung when the vehicle moves forwardly.

A construction designed to carry out the invention together with other novel features of the invention willbe hereinafter described.

The invention will be more readily understood from a reading of the following specification and by reference to the accompanying drawings in which examples of the invention are shown and wherein:

Fig. l is a side elevation of a toy constructed in accordance with my invention, Fig. 2 is a partial rear elevation of the same,

Fig. 3 is a detail of the operating means,

Fig. 4 is a side elevation of a modified form,

Fig. 5 is a partial rear elevation of the same, the figure being partially in se tion. and

Fig. 6 is an elevation of the modified op the front ,end of the seat. Such vehicles are popularly known as kiddie ,cars. It is to be understood that the invention may be applied to. any type of toy or miniature vehicle found suitable for the purpose and pleasingto the desires of Children.

On the seat is mounted a figure which in the present instance. is shown as the, trunk lt of the body of a child simulating the position it would occupy in propelling such a vehicle. It is to be understood that the type of figure is immaterial and may as sume any shape. or representation desirable.

On each side .of the bottom of the .trunk is suitably pivoted the upper end of a leg 15, the upper member of which is disposed at a downward and forward incl nation. The

' lower end of. each leg 15 is bifurcated to receive atenon 16 on the upper end of a l w r lim 17, said enon be ng oun ed 01 a tra s e se piizot pin 18 p si g t e same .and the furcations. In this manner a knee-joint is formed.

, A screw-eye 19 mounted on the upper end of each tenon has fastened therein the lower end of an elastic cord or equivalent 20 which extends up the front of the leg and has its upper end fastened by a staple or other fastening 21. When the limb 17 is swung to its rear position as is shown in full lines in Fig. 1 the cord is placed under tension, sothat when the limb is released it will be swung forwardly. A foot 22 is suitably pivoted to the lower end of each limb and the sole may be provided with a roughened surface (not shown) so as to give traction upon the floor.

It will be seen that when the leg 15 is swung forwardly it is raised and the limb 17 will be swung forwardly by the cord to the position indicated in dotted lines in Fig. 1. When the vehicle is moved forwardly the foot remaining in contact with floor will cause the limb to swing and simulate the natural movement of a child in propelling the vehicle. Many devices may be employed for swinging the legs. In Figs. 1 to 3 Ihaveshown a detent 23 mounted on each side and suspended from the seat 10 by staples 24. The forward end of each detent is pivoted to the rear side of the leg 15 below its pivot point. The rear end of each detent has a depending arm 25 having its lower end bent forwardly toform an angular finger 26. Each wheel 11 has a P 2 on its s de in pos o t e g ge one of the fingers 26 and displace the arm forwardly, whereby the detent 24 is slid forwardly and the leg swung. The pins 27 are placed diametrically opposite so as to alternately swing the legs.

The form shown in Fig. 1 is supposed to be pulled or pushed by the child in playing with the toy. In Figs. 4 to- 6 I have shown a spring motor 28 mounted in the trunk 14. Oppositely bent crank arms 29 extend from the sides of the motor and are pivotally connected to the upper ends of links 30 which have their lower ends bent outwardly and. connected with the legs 15 above the pivots of the latter. A driving pulley 31 is also mounted on the side of the motor and sup ports the upper end of an endless belt 32' which drives a pulley 33 mounted on the shaft 11 which connects the rear wheels 11. When the motor is released the links swing the legs and the belt drives the shaft, whereby the vehicle is propelled forwardly.

It will be seen that when the vehicle is moved forwardly in any manner, the legs 15 30 l and 4. When the limb'17 is swung forwardly the foot 22 being pivoted is balanced to swing in a manner simulating the motion of a. human foot in such an action, which adds to the realistic appearance. When the limb 17 reaches the forward limit of its swing the leg is lowered so that the foot 22 rests flat on the floor. As the vehicle moves forwardly the limb is swung upon its pivotal connections until it reaches the position shown in full lines. The alternate movement of the legs gives a realistic imitation of walking.

The invention is presented as including all such changes and modifications as come within the scope of the appended claim.

What I claim, is:

In a toy of the character described, a horizontal platform seat, a wheel supporting the front end of the seat, a pair of wheels supporting the rear of the seat, a figure having its trunk mounted on the seat, legs pivoted to the body and depending on each side of the seat, means mounted on the seat and engaging the legs for swinging the same, means on the rear wheels for sliding said leg swinging means, lower limbs hinged to the legs, and elastic connections between the legs and the lower limbs.

In testimony whereof I aflix my signature.

JOHN L. HENRY. 

